Understanding Secondary Sources in History Unraveling the Past History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Lesson Plan Presentation: History JSS 1 First Term

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 11-12 years
Topic: Secondary Sources in History
Sub-topic: Explanation, Examples, Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Secondary Sources
Duration: 80 minutes

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Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain secondary sources in History.
2. Mention examples of secondary sources in History, such as textbooks, maps, newspapers, ethnographic evidence, and linguistic sources.
3. Discuss the features of secondary sources in History.
4. Explain the advantages of secondary sources in History.
5. Highlight the disadvantages of secondary sources in History.

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Keywords

• Secondary sources
• Written sources
• Ethnography
• Linguistic evidence
• Siteology

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Set Induction

The teacher asks the students how they know about past events that they did not witness themselves and whether they have ever read about history in textbooks or newspapers.

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Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with reading books, magazines, and newspapers and know about sources like maps.

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Learning Resources and Materials

1. History textbooks
2. Maps, magazines, journals, and newspapers
3. Ethnographic and linguistic evidence examples

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students will connect their knowledge of primary sources of history from the previous lesson to the understanding of secondary sources as indirect evidence.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

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Learning Materials

1. History textbooks
2. Magazines, journals, and newspapers
3. Audio or video materials related to ethnographic studies

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Reference Books

1. Lagos State Scheme of Work
2. Basic History Textbook for JSS 1

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Instructional Materials

1. Whiteboard
2. Printouts of secondary sources (magazines, maps, newspapers, textbooks)

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Content

Definition of Secondary Sources in History

1. Secondary sources in History refer to materials that analyze, interpret, or discuss historical events that were not directly witnessed by the creator.
2. They are based on primary sources and are written after the event or time period being studied.

Examples of Secondary Sources

1. Written Sources:
   • Textbooks, magazines, journals, maps, and newspapers are common secondary sources.
2. Ethnographic Evidence:
   • Studies of cultural practices, customs, and social behaviors of people over time.
3. Siteology:
   • Historical information gathered from archaeological sites and geographical locations where past events occurred.
4. Botanical Resources:
   • Information on past climates, environments, and agricultural practices from plant remains.
5. Linguistic Evidence:
   • The study of languages and how they have changed over time, which provides insights into historical migration, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Features of Secondary Sources in History

1. Interpretation:
   • Secondary sources analyze and interpret information from primary sources.
2. Time Gap:
   • They are created after the historical events have taken place.
3. Research-Based:
   • Secondary sources often involve thorough research and comparison of various primary and secondary materials.
4. Easily Accessible:
   • They are available in written formats like textbooks, journals, and newspapers.

Advantages of Secondary Sources in History

1. Comprehensive Analysis:
   • Secondary sources often provide detailed explanations, context, and analysis that help in understanding historical events.
2. Easy Access:
   • Secondary sources, like textbooks, are widely available in libraries and online.
3. Provide Multiple Perspectives:
   • These sources often compare different primary sources to give a broader view of historical events.

Disadvantages of Secondary Sources in History

1. Lack of Originality:
   • Since they are interpretations of primary sources, they may lack firsthand accuracy.
2. Bias and Subjectivity:
   • Secondary sources may reflect the author’s opinions or bias.
3. Potential for Inaccuracies:
   • Errors or misinterpretations in the analysis of primary sources can affect the accuracy of secondary sources.

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Evaluation

1. What are secondary sources in History?
   a. First-hand accounts
   b. Interpretation of primary sources
   c. Direct evidence
   d. Written documents from ancient times
2. An example of a secondary source is __________.
   a. a journal article analyzing a historical event
   b. an artifact from an archaeological site
   c. a witness account of an event
   d. oral tradition
3. Ethnographic evidence refers to __________.
   a. archaeological remains
   b. studies of cultural practices and customs
   c. written accounts by historians
   d. linguistic analysis
4. Textbooks and magazines are examples of __________.
   a. primary sources
   b. oral sources
   c. secondary sources
   d. physical history
5. One feature of secondary sources is __________.
   a. they are firsthand evidence
   b. they analyze and interpret historical events
   c. they are created at the time of the event
   d. they are oral traditions
6. A disadvantage of secondary sources is __________.
   a. they provide direct evidence
   b. they are available in written formats
   c. they may contain biases and subjective views
   d. they are comprehensive and detailed
7. Siteology refers to __________.
   a. linguistic studies
   b. historical information from archaeological sites
   c. newspaper articles
   d. botanical research
8. Secondary sources are created __________.
   a. before the event takes place
   b. during the event
   c. after the event
   d. alongside primary sources
9. Why is it important to use secondary sources?
   a. They provide direct, firsthand accounts
   b. They offer detailed analysis and context for understanding events
   c. They are original materials from the past
   d. They are less accurate than primary sources
10. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of secondary sources?
    a. Comprehensive analysis
    b. Easily accessible
    c. Provide firsthand accounts
    d. Offer multiple perspectives

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Class Activity Discussion

1. What are secondary sources in History?
   • Materials that analyze or interpret historical events, often using primary sources.
2. Give examples of secondary sources.
   • Textbooks, magazines, journals, newspapers, ethnographic studies.
3. Why are secondary sources useful in studying history?
   • They provide a broader context and interpretation of events, allowing historians to gain deeper insights.
4. What is one advantage of using secondary sources?
   • They offer detailed analysis and comparison of various sources.
5. What is a disadvantage of secondary sources?
   • They may reflect bias or subjectivity from the author.

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Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Primary Sources in History.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Secondary Sources in History,” explaining that they are materials created after the event, offering analysis and interpretation of historical events.
Step 3: The teacher divides the students into small groups to discuss examples of secondary sources and their features.

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Teacher’s Activities

1. Define and explain the concept of secondary sources in History.
2. Provide examples of secondary sources and their uses in historical research.
3. Guide students in discussing the advantages and disadvantages of secondary sources.

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Learners’ Activities

1. Identify examples of secondary sources in their textbooks.
2. Participate in group discussions on the features of secondary sources.
3. Ask questions about the benefits and limitations of secondary sources.

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Evaluation Questions

1. Define secondary sources in History.
2. Name two examples of written secondary sources.
3. What are ethnographic studies, and how are they used in historical research?
4. Mention one feature of secondary sources.
5. List one advantage and one disadvantage of secondary sources.
6. Why are secondary sources important for historians?
7. Explain how linguistic evidence contributes to historical knowledge.
8. What is siteology, and how does it provide historical information?
9. Describe the importance of botanical resources in history.
10. Why must historians consider bias when using secondary sources?

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Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work, ensuring they understand the definition, features, advantages, and disadvantages of secondary sources in History.

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More Useful Links

• Differences between History and Storytelling History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3
• Exploring the Sources of History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Unveiling the Past: Understanding Primary Sources in History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5